 The Western Massachusetts Writing Project is an organization made up of dedicated educators and writers who work hard to create programs that will enrich teaching and learning across the Pioneer Valley. These programs include conferences, courses, institutes, and workshops for local teachers as well as workshops for youth writers. A core WMWP program is the Summer Leadership Institute. SLI asks K-16 educators of all disciplines and roles to explore the impact that race, language, poverty, and privilege have on equity in teaching and learning through daily writing, peer group collaboration, and individualized research. This year, Alicia Lopez and Sam Briggs will be facilitating SLI. Sam will tell us a little bit about her own experiences with SLI and her and Alicia's hopes for this year's institute. I was a relatively new educator when I participated in SLI and I found it to be an incredibly empowering experience. Not only did our work enhance my teaching practice, but even more significantly, I felt such a strong sense of community and solidarity with my cohort. Participating in SLI inspired me to become a teacher leader within my school community and beyond. I think that is the greatest outcome I can hope for for this summer's SLI. To build a community of teachers who feel empowered within the world of education for themselves and their students. Overall, Alicia and I really want to create a space for educators to enact positive change, especially as it relates to the most pressing social justice needs of our time. Join us in our efforts to support teachers as writers and agents of change by contributing to WMWP. Teachers in some districts do not have funding to attend SLI and cannot afford to pay themselves. For donations, fund scholarships for these teachers to be able to attend the Summer Leadership Institute. Thank you for your time and support.